Mississippi College Approves Partnership with Tupelo Christian Preparatory School

TCPS head of school Andy Carter and MC President Blake Thompson sign a new partnership on February 25.

It took mere moments for President Blake Thompson to sign his name to forge a new partnership with Tupelo Christian Preparatory School.

The action by Mississippi College’s leader signals the start of a dual academic agreement between the Baptist-affiliated university in Clinton and the Christ-centered school in Lee County.

Andy Carter, the TCPS head of school, also signed the memo of understanding at President Thompson’s office in Nelson Hall to launch the partnership on February 25.

“We are very excited to begin this new partnership with Mississippi College,” Carter said.

“The academic rigor and high expectations required to successfully complete the dual enrollment offerings from MC will challenge our students,” he said. It will help them prepare for success as they move into higher education, Carter added.

“Another key component of our partnership is the shared value our institutions place on the commitment to biblical truth and the integration of biblical truth into everything we do.”

The Tupelo Christian Preparatory School motto states, "Christ first, academics second to none.”

Founded in 1826, MC is America’s second oldest Baptist college.

After observing the signing ceremony, John Travis, chair of the university’s Mathematics Department, spoke of the positives for both institutions.

“TCP’s high standards integrate well with those of Mississippi College and amplify a common mission striving for academic excellence meshed with a commitment to the cause of Christ,” Travis said.

Mississippi College's track record of recruiting students who are graduates of the private school in Tupelo has been impressive.

“We’ve had 21 students come from TCPS over the last five years,” says Michael Wright, who leads freshman recruitment programs at his alma mater in Clinton. “TCPS is one of our top feeder high schools in the state of Mississippi. As a fellow Christian institution, the students that graduate from TCPS are incredible mission fits at MC. They ultimately thrive here academically, socially, and spiritually.”

The number of Tupelo students enrolling at MC will keep growing. In late February, TCPS football standout Josh Berry announced he’s signing with Mississippi College to join the Choctaws team.

The dual enrollment partnership, Wright said, can only strengthen a strong bond between the two schools.

MC is teaming with the private school in Tupelo to offer 18 hours of dual academic credit. TCPS juniors and seniors are eligible.

Mississippi College has approved similar dual academic credit partnerships with other institutions such as Madison Ridgeland Academy, Clinton High School, and Jackson Prep.

To learn more about Tupelo Christian Preparatory School, go to tcps.net.